Watch Neil Coligan's extended interview here!

The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra presents Duke Ellington's Black, Brown & Beige this weekend with composer and arranger Fred Stride. No stranger to the work of Ellington and the WJO for that matter, Fred Stride has presented the Duke’s sacred music many times to tremendous appreciation. But Black, Brown and Beige is really special because it’s so rarely heard. It’s a work that tackles the history of African Americans with the Duke’s characteristic refusal to be nothing less than swinging. Joining the WJO will also be Winnipeg vocalist Heitha Forsyth. The concert will also feature many more of Duke Ellington’s great works including Jeff Presslaff’s arrangement of Caravan.

There are three performances – tomorrow night and Sunday night at 7:30 PM and a Sunday matinee show at 2:00 PM. All the concerts take place at the beautiful Winnipeg Art Gallery. Tickets are $35 for adults or $15 if you are under 30 years of age. You can get them at the door or ahead of time at McNally Robinson Booksellers or by calling the WJO box office at 204.632.5299.

Fred Stride and Heitha Forsyth dropped by the Classic 107 studio to tell Jazz After 9 host Neil Coligan more!

Watch the extended interview here.